LOOK: Journalist Editha Caduaya launches her first documentary film on Col. Hansel Marantan
Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
Journalist Editha Caduaya has produced her first documentary film, “Sa Likod ng Tsapa: The Story of Colonel Hansel Marantan.” The film not only tells the compelling story of P/Col. Marantan but also captures the broader experiences of police officers in the country, highlighting the challenges and realities they face daily.
Producer Editha Z. Caduaya revealed that the project was not originally planned to be a film, but as she progressed with it, she became more immersed in the issue, gaining a deeper understanding and connection to the story.
The documentary recounts Marantan’s leadership in major police operations that received extensive media coverage in the Philippines, such as the Valle Verde and Parañaque shootouts, a series of bank robberies, and many others. However, it extends beyond these events to provide a deeper understanding of the realities behind law enforcement, including the personal and professional impacts on the officers involved. It aims to seek justice and accountability from the perspective of police personnel, giving voice to their struggles.
L-R: Lt. Col. Stefano Adrenicus Rabino, Col. Hansel Marantan, Editha Caduaya, and Col. Mario Mayames
P/Col. Marantan has watched the film twice, and both viewings evoked strong emotions. “I watched the movie 2 times already, it became too emotional, at the latter part of it, very emotional. Si Col. Mayames umalis siya dun sa upuan niya, pumunta sa’kin, niyakap niya ako at umiiyak siya,” he shared, describing how powerful the film was for him personally.
“I watched the movie 2 times already, it became too emotional, at the latter part of it, very emotional. Si Col. Mayames umalis siya dun sa upuan niya, pumunta sa’kin, niyakap niya ako at umiiyak siya,” P/Col. Marantan shared, describing how powerful the film was for him personally.
Despite the emotional weight of the documentary, Marantan expressed his satisfaction with how it turned out. “I think that’s the best movie na napanood ko,” he said, adding that he believes Editha has done justice to their stories. Watching the film gave him a sense of relief and redemption, knowing that their sacrifices and struggles are finally acknowledged.
Lt. Col. Stefanio Adrenicus Rabino, who portrays young Col. Marantan in the film, is a real policeman who has known Col. Marantan for over 15 years. “Ni sa panaginip hindi sumagi na mag aact ako..I thought it was only a reenactment of Atimonan, but as days go by, nung ginagawa na yung pelikula mahaba pala ‘to kaya napasubo na talaga ako nun, hindi na ako nakaatras,” he explained, sharing his initial surprise and eventual commitment to the role.
Lt. Col. Rabino also expressed his gratitude toward Col. Marantan, stating he accepted the role “to pay tribute also to the person na inidolize ko din sa serbisyo kasi ito yunn g maraming hindi nakita ng mga tao kung ano yung sinakripisyo niya sa career niya for almost 30 years of his police service.”
“This will not just feature the life of a brilliant officer, but it will give you the reality behind the true story of the life of a police officer,” Lt. Col. Rabino added, emphasizing the film’s aim to portray authentic police experiences.
“This will not just feature the life of a brilliant officer, but it will give you the reality behind the true story of the life of a police officer,” Lt. Col. Rabino added, emphasizing the film’s aim to portray authentic police experiences.
The film’s posters and promotional materials are rated G. Editha shared, “I respect the MTCRB kung ano yung judgement kasi they are asking us to secure the certificate of no pending case,” highlighting their compliance with regulatory standards.
Editha emphasized the importance of the film, stating, “What you need to watch; ang tapang, ang galing, at ang paghihirap ng mga pulis at tsaka paano nagsakripisyo ang mga pulis pra mabigyan ng mapayapang community,” and urged audiences with, “You have to see this because you are part of the community that the policemen are serving,” she added.
“Sa Likod ng Tsapa: The Story of Colonel Hansel Marantan,” produced by POP Moviehouse/Newsline Philippines, a Davao-based media and production company, is scheduled to open in cinemas on August 13.
